A few water questions

[waterbear]

Regarding stabilizer...mine is on the high side and I saw the "Best Guess CYA chart" on this site and it says that a chlorine level of 5 is ok with my level of stabilizer. Why is it that you need a higher level of chlorine when you have a higher level of stabilizer?

The stabilizer actually combines with some of the chlorine so it does not break down as rapidly in sunlight. The higer the stabilzer level the higher the level of chlorine you need to have enough available (and not tied up with the stabilzer) to keep the water sanitized.

How long does stabilizer last in your water?

Unless you dilute (drain and refill partially) it never leaves. You will lose a bit from splashout but it really isn't that much.
The above isn't completely true, in a closed pool with no circulation it is possible for certain bacterea to eat the stabilizer and 'poop' ammonia compounds. This can create a huge chlorine demand when the pool is reopened. This t only happens under certain conditions so don't think of it as a way to lower your stabilizer levels

ALso, I use stabilized trichlor tabs in my floater...will they continue to raise my stabilizer level?

In a nutshell, yes.

In case it matters...I had been using a powdered shock but I ran out so I got liquid chlorine from pinch-a-penny. It is VERY cheap so I'm just going to stick with that over bleach.
It is exactly the same thing as bleach. The only difference might be in the concentration of chlorine. Bleach is eithe 5.25% or 6% Sodium Hypochlorite. Liquid Chlorine from the pool store ususally comes in 6%, 10% and 12.5% strength. Bleach is usually cheaper per dose unless the pool store has some kind of sale. Also be aware that as the concentration goes up the shelf life goes down so that jug of 10% or 12.5% that you are buying might only be at about 6% by the time it goes into your pool

I'd love to hear what anyone has to say. I love my new "little" pool and want to use this opportunity to learn as much as I can about keeping it in tip top shape so that when I decide to upgrade to a "real" pool I will be a pro.
Thanks!

Your pool IS a real pool. Pools come in all sizes and contruction materials. They are all cared for the same way!
Hope this is helpful.